When assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

Determine apical pulse rate and rhythm.

Observe color and amount of urine.

Compare muscle strength bilaterally.

Assess strength of deep tendon reflexes.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: This is the most important intervention because a high serum potassium level can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should monitor the client's heart rate and rhythm closely and report any changes or abnormalities to the healthcare provider.

Choice B reason: This is not the most important intervention because the color and amount of urine are not directly related to the serum potassium level. The nurse should assess the client's renal function and fluid balance, but these are not the priority assessments.

Choice C reason: This is also not the most important intervention because the muscle strength is not the most sensitive indicator of the serum potassium level. The nurse should evaluate the client's neuromuscular status and watch for signs of weakness or paralysis, but these are not the priority assessments.

Choice D reason: This is another incorrect intervention because the deep tendon reflexes are not the most reliable indicator of the serum potassium level. The nurse should check the client's reflexes and note any hyperreflexia or hyporeflexia, but these are not the priority assessments.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is the correct action because the nurse should obtain the specimen as soon as possible to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment. The color and consistency of the stool do not affect the test for occult blood.

Choice B reason: This is not necessary because the nurse does not need to obtain a prescription or approval from the healthcare provider to collect a stool specimen for occult blood. The nurse should follow the standard protocol for specimen collection and labeling.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because withholding specimen collection until tarry black stool is observed would delay the detection of occult blood. Tarry black stool indicates a bleeding source in the upper gastrointestinal tract, while occult blood can be present in any part of the gastrointestinal tract.

Choice D reason: This is also incorrect because waiting to obtain the specimen until observable blood is present would also delay the detection of occult blood. Observable blood indicates a bleeding source in the lower gastrointestinal tract, while occult blood can be present in any part of the gastrointestinal tract.

A. Request a family member to remain with the client. B. Obtain a staff member who is a bilingual interpreter. C. Use drawings that are universal for all cultures. D. Ask for the support of one of the client's friends.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Requesting a family member to remain with the client is not the best intervention to implement first. It may provide some emotional support, but it does not address the communication barrier. The family member may not be able to translate accurately or objectively, and may have their own biases or emotions.

Choice B reason: Obtaining a staff member who is a bilingual interpreter is the best intervention to implement first. It ensures effective communication and understanding between the nurse and the client. It also respects the client's cultural and linguistic preferences and needs.

Choice C reason: Using drawings that are universal for all cultures is not the most effective intervention to implement first. It may be helpful for some simple concepts, but it may not convey the full meaning or context of the assessment. It may also be misinterpreted or misunderstood by the client.

Choice D reason: Asking for the support of one of the client's friends is not the most appropriate intervention to implement first. It may violate the client's privacy and confidentiality, and may not ensure accurate or unbiased translation. The friend may not be familiar with the medical terminology or the client's condition.

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When assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

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